Seamless knit garments

ABSTRACT

A garment having a body and one or more garment elements joined to the body is provided. The body has a first portion integrally knit to a second portion. The first portion has a first knit construction and the second portion has a second knit construction. The first knit construction include knits that have one stitch formed on each needle all of the time so that an intermeshing of stitches are formed in the same direction on the technical face of the fabric and a series of loops are formed on the technical back of the fabric. The second knit construction includes knits that use any combination of a plain knitted loop, a held loop with no stitch, and a tuck loop.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/513,815, filed Oct. 23, 2003 the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to seamless knit garments. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to knit garments having oneor more of a first knit construction seamlessly integrated with one ormore of a second knit construction.

2. Description of Related Art

Seamless knit garments can be knit on flat and/or circular knittingmachines. Such machines are commercially available from, for example,the Monarch Knitting Machinery Corporation of Glendale, N.Y., SantoniS.p.A. of Brescia, Italy, Shima Seiki Manufacturing Limited of Wakayama,Japan, and others.

Some knitting machines can knit only a first knit construction such as,but not limited to, a plain double knit stitch or a plain single jerseyknit stitch. Other knitting machines can produce a second knitconstruction such as, a spacer knit stitch, a rib knit stitch, apointelle knit stitch, a mesh knit stitch, a sheer knit stitch, aquilted knit stitch, and others.

In order to provide garments having more than one portion with the firstknit construction and/or to combine the first and second knitconstructions, two or more knitted fabrics have been required. Here, thedesired fabrics have been joined by way of a seam (e.g., sewing,welding, and gluing).

In many garments, seams and discontinuities can be physically and/oraesthetically unpleasing. For example, seams in many outerwear garmentsand sportswear garments can chaff, exert pressure points and, thus, canbe a source of physical discomfort. In addition, seams in intimateapparel garments (e.g., a brassiere, a panty, a camisole, and others)can often be visible through outer clothing, which can be aestheticallyunpleasing.

Accordingly, there is a need for garments having the first and secondknit constructions seamlessly integrated therein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide seamless knitgarments.

It is another object of the present invention to provide garments havinga first portion knitted with a first knit construction seamlessly knitto a second portion knitted with a second knit construction.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide garmentshaving a combination of double and single jersey knit structuresseamlessly knit to other knit structures such as, but not limited to,three-dimensional knit structures, sheer knit structures, decorativesingle jersey knit structures, or any combinations thereof.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide knit garmentshaving a plurality of portions each with a different type of a firstknit construction and/or second knit construction, where the pluralityof portions are seamlessly knit to one another.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a knitgarment having a patterned effect provided by the seamless integrationof portions having different knit constructions.

The above-described and other features and advantages of the presentinvention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the artfrom the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a camisoleaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the camisole of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a brief-style pantyaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the panty of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a string-stylepanty according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the panty of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a brassiereaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of a camisoleaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the camisole of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a short-stylepanty according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of abrief-style panty according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of a brassiereaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a third exemplary embodiment of a camisoleaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the camisole of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a string-stylepanty according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a rear view of the panty of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a front view of a third exemplary embodiment of a brief-stylepanty according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a front view of a third embodiment of a brassiere accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a front view of a portion of a fourth exemplary embodiment ofa brassiere according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a stitch diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of afirst knit portion seamlessly integrated with a second knit portion;

FIG. 21 is a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a shirtaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a rear view of the shirt of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of a shirtaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the shirt of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of pantsaccording to the present invention; and

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the pants of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the figures and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, agarment according to the present invention is generally represented byreference numeral 10. Garment 10 is a camisole having a knit body 12, apair of shoulder straps 14, preferably at an upper edge of body 12,and/or a welt 16, preferably along a lower edge of the body. In apreferred embodiment, straps 14 are joined to body 12 by a seam 18.Similarly, welt 16 can be joined to body 12 by seam 18. Seam 18 can beformed by sewing, welding, gluing, or any combinations thereof.Alternately, straps 14 and/or welt 16 can be integrally knit as part ofbody 12. Accordingly, garment 10 can include one or more garmentelements (e.g., straps 14, welt 16, and the like) integrally knit tobody 12 and/or joined to the body by seam 18.

Body 12 can have a generally tubular shape defined by one or more firstportions 20 and one or more second portions 22. Body 12 is knitted usinga knitting process so first and second portions 20, 22 are integrallyknitted to one another. Thus, body 12 is free of seams joining first andsecond portions 20, 22 to one another. For example, body 12 can beknitted using a circular or weft knitting process, a flat knittingprocess, and others.

First portion 20 is knit with a first knit construction, while secondportion 22 is knit with a second knit construction. As used herein, thephrase “first knit construction” shall mean knits that have one stitchformed on each needle all of the time so that an intermeshing ofstitches are formed in the same direction on the technical face of thefabric and a series of loops are formed on the technical back of thefabric. For example, the first knit construction includes any one of thefollowing knits a plain double knit, a plain single jersey knit, or anycombinations thereof. The phrase “second knit construction” shall meanknits that use any combination of a plain knitted loop, a held loop withno stitch, and a tuck loop. The second knit construction can have any ofthese loops transferred from one set of needles to another set ofneedles and can have any of these loops knit stitched, tuck stitched,and miss stitched individually on each set of needles. For example, thesecond knit construction includes any one of the following knits aspacer knit, a rib knit, a pointelle knit, a mesh knit, a sheer knit, aquilted knit, an eyelet or open knit, or any combinations thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, first portion 20 has a plainsingle jersey knit 24 and second portion 22 has a sheer knit 26, whichprovides a transparent or opaque aesthetic quality or look to the secondportion. For example, sheer knit 26 can be knitted by two sets ofneedles, where one set of needles knits a foreground layer, while thesecond set of needles knits a background layer. The foreground layer caninclude a lace or embroidered pattern defined therein.

First and second portions 20, 22 can also be positioned in body 12 toprovide a seamless patterned effect to garment 10. For example, firstand second portions 20, 22 are illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 1and 2 extending in a curvilinear manner vertically across body 12.Namely, first and second portions 20, 22 extend from the lower edge ofbody 12 to the upper edge of the body in a curvilinear manner. Ofcourse, it is contemplated by the present invention for first and secondportions 20, 22 to have shapes other than curvilinear such as a linearshape and/or combinations of curvilinear and linear shapes.

In some embodiments of the present invention, garment 10 can be a shapedor fitted garment. For example, body 12 can have a length as measuredfrom straps 14 to welt 16 and an inner diameter (not shown). The shapedaspect of garment 10 is provided by varying the inner diameter along thelength of body 12. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, body12 includes a central shaped section 25 that is narrowed with respect toother portions of the body. For example, body 12 has its maximum innerdiameter where straps 14 and welt 16 are secured to the body and aminimum inner diameter at central shaped section 25. Of course, it iscontemplated by the present invention for shaped section 25 to be widerthan other portions of body 12 and/or for the shaped section to belocated non-central to the body.

Garment 10 is illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 1 and 2 as acamisole having a combination of single jersey knit structures 24seamlessly knit with sheer knit structures 26 in a manner that providesa seamless patterned effect to the garment.

It is also contemplated by the present invention for garment 10 to beany garment such as, but not limited to, a brief-style panty 28 as inFIGS. 3 and 4, a string-style panty 30 as in FIGS. 5 and 6, a brassiere32 as in FIG. 7, and other intimate apparel garments, as well asouterwear garments, sportswear garments, and others.

The brief-style panty 28 as in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the string-style panty30 as in FIGS. 5 and 6 each include a combination of single jersey knitstructures 24 seamlessly knit with sheer knit structures 26 in a mannerthat provides a seamless patterned effect to the garment. The brassiere32 of in FIG. 7 includes a combination of single jersey knit structures24 seamlessly knit with sheer knit structures 26 and rib knit structures27 in a manner that provides a seamless patterned effect to the garment.

It is also contemplated by the present invention for first portion 20and/or second portion 22 to extend horizontally and/or diagonally acrossbody 12 as in the brassiere 32 of FIG. 7. Further, it is contemplated bythe present invention for first portion 20 to surround second portion 22as in the panty 30 of FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a second exemplary embodiment of agarment illustrated as a camisole 34 is shown. Camisole 34 has a knitbody 36 and a pair of shoulder straps 38. Body 36 has a plurality ofsecond portions 40, each having a different second knit construction.Advantageously, body 36 is knit so that the second portions 40 areseamlessly or integrally knitted to one another. Thus, body 36 is freeof seams joining the plurality of second portions 40 to one another. Forexample, body 36 can be knitted using a circular or weft knittingprocess, a flat knitting process, and others.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, body 36 has four-secondportions 40, each having a different second knit construction. Here,body 36 includes a second portion 42 having a pointelle knit, a secondportion 44 having a mesh knit, a second portion 46 having an eyelet oropen knit, and a second portion 48 having a rib knit. Thus, camisole 34has a combination of pointelle knit portions 42, mesh knit portions 44,open knit portions 46, and rib knit portion 48 seamlessly knit with oneanother.

Body 36 can include a central shaped section 45. Here, body 36 has amaximum inner diameter at its upper and lower extents and a minimuminner diameter at central shaped section 45.

Advantageously, second portions 40 can be selected and/or positioned inbody 36 to provide a patterned effect to camisole 34. For example,pointelle knit portions 42 are illustrated along the upper and loweredges of body 36. Open knit portions 46 define a pair of breast cups 50,a front panel 52, a rear panel 54, and a pair of sides 56 in body 36.Mesh knit portions 44 are illustrated in front and rear panels 52, 54,while rib knit portions 48 are illustrated in sides 56 and breast cups50.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the type of the second knitconstruction and position of portions 42, 44, 46, 48 within body 36 areused to provide a seamless patterned effect to camisole 34.

Again, FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the garment as a camisole 34. Of course,it is contemplated by the present invention for the garment to be anygarment such as, but not limited to, a short-style panty 58 as in FIG.10, a brief-style panty 60 as in FIG. 11, a brassiere 62 as in FIG. 12,and other intimate apparel garments, as well as outerwear garments,sportswear garments, and others.

It should also be recognized that garment 34 is illustrated in FIGS. 8and 9 by way of example as having four second portions 40 (e.g., fourportions with the second knit construction). Of course, it iscontemplated by the present invention for garment 34 to have as anydesired number of second portions 40 such as, but not limited to, twosecond portions as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, three second portionsas illustrated in FIG. 10, and more than four second portions. In someembodiments, the first and/or second portions 40, 42 can define amoldable portion of garment 34 as seen in the breast cup area of FIG.12.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a second exemplary embodiment of agarment illustrated as a camisole 64 is shown. Camisole 64 is a camisolehaving a knit body 66, a pair of shoulder straps 68, and a welt 70.

Body 66 includes one or more first portions 72 and one or more secondportions 74. Again, body 66 is knitted so that first and second portions72, 74 are integrally knitted to one another. Thus, body 66 is free ofseams joining first and second portions 72, 74 to one another. Firstportions 72 can be knit with the same or different first knitconstructions. Similarly, second portions 74 can be knit with the sameor different second knit constructions.

In the illustrated embodiment, first portions 72 have a plainsingle-jersey knit stitch 76, while second portions 74 have a number ofdifferent second knit constructions. For example, second portions 74 caninclude one or more quilt knit portions 78, and one or more sheer knitportions 80. Quilt knit portions 78 can be a two-yarn quilt (e.g., nofiller) and/or a three-yarn quilt (e.g., filler). Further, quilt knitportions 78 can define quilted regions 82, quilted lines 84, or anycombinations thereof.

Advantageously, first and second portions 72, 74 can be selected andpositioned in body 66 to provide a patterned effect to camisole 64.Specifically, the stitch type and position of the first and secondportions 72, 74 within body 66 can be used to provide a seamlesspatterned effect to camisole 64.

Again, while FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the garment as camisole 64, it iscontemplated by the present invention that the garment can be anygarment such as, but not limited to, a string-style panty 86 as in FIGS.15 and 16, a brief-style panty 88 as in FIG. 17, or a brassiere 90 as inFIG. 18.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a third exemplary embodiment of a garmentaccording to the present invention is shown as a brassiere 92. Brassiere92 has a knit body 94, a pair of shoulder straps 96, and a welt 98.

Body 94 has one or more first portions 100 and one or more secondportions 102. Again, body 94 is knitted so that first and secondportions 100, 102 are integrally knitted to one another. Thus, body 94is free of seams joining first and second portions 100, 102 to oneanother.

First portion 100 is knit with first knit construction, while secondportion 102 is knit with the second knit construction. In thisembodiment, first portion 100 has a plain single jersey knit and secondportion 102 has a spacer knit 104. Spacer knit 104 has two separate facefibers combined with an inner spacer yarn or yarns in a warp-knittedconstruction. The spacer yarns contribute engineered properties such asthickness, elasticity, compression, physical spaces and channels, or anycombinations thereof. The face fibers provide such qualities as density,water-repellency, antimicrobial attributes, softness, breathability, UVor chemical resistance, fire retardation, texture, or any combinationsthereof. Spacer knit 104 can be thick or thin, and the thickness canvary across its width.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a stitch diagram illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of a first portion 106 seamlessly integrated with a secondportion 108 is illustrated. First portion 106 is knitted with a plainsingle jersey knit, while second portion 108 is knitted with a rib knit.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, an alternate exemplary embodiment of agarment according to the present invention shown as a seamless sportsshirt 110. Shirt 110 is knitted using a flat knitting process such ascan be found on machines commercially available from Shima SeikiManufacturing Limited of Wakayama, Japan.

Shirt 110 includes a plurality of first portions 120 and a secondportion 122 seamlessly integrated with one another to form the wholegarment. Here, first portions 120 are knit with the first knitconstruction, while second portion 122 is knit with the second knitconstruction. In addition, first and second portions 120, 122 canprovide a seamless patterned effect to shirt 110.

The plurality of first portions 120 include a main body 124, a pair ofarmbands 126, and a waist band 128. Main body 124 is knit with a plainsingle jersey knit stitch to define the arms and torso sections of shirt110. Main body 124 can include a pleated section 130, providingadditional mobility and flexibility to this region of shirt 110. Arm andwaist bands 126, 128 are knit with a plain double knit stitch havingelastic yarns so that the arm and waist bands assist in maintainingshirt 110 in the desired position when worn.

Second portion 122 is knit with a spacer knit to define the shouldersections of shirt 110. The spacer knit of second portion 122 providesattributes such as warmth, wind protection, and/or water protection toshirt 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, waistband 128 is shown as a shaped bandas shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/404,918filed on Apr. 1, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated byreference herein. Also show in the illustrated embodiment, main body 124includes a central shaped section 125. Here, main body 124 has a maximuminner diameter at its upper and lower extents but a minimum innerdiameter at central shaped section 125.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, another alternate exemplary embodimenta garment according to the present invention is shown as a seamlessleisure shirt. Shirt 130 is knitted using a flat knitting process.

Shirt 130 includes a plurality of first portions 132 and a plurality ofsecond portions 134 seamlessly integrated with one another to form thewhole garment. Here, first portions 132 are knit with the first knitconstruction, while second portions 134 are knit with the second knitconstruction. In addition, first and second portions 1320, 134 canprovide a seamless patterned effect to shirt 130.

The plurality of first portions 132 include a pair of side regions 136and a pair of cuff bands 138. Side regions 136 are knit with a plainsingle jersey knit. Side regions 136 can include one or more pocketsections 140. In addition, side regions 136 can include one or morepleated sections 142 that provide additional mobility and flexibility tothis region of shirt 130. Cuff bands 138 are knit with a plain doubleknit stitch having elastic yarns so that the cuff bands assist inmaintaining shirt 130 in the desired position when worn.

In the illustrated embodiment, shirt 130 includes a central shapedsection 145. Here, shirt 130 has a maximum inner diameter at its upperand lower extents but a minimum inner diameter at central shaped section145.

The plurality of second portions 134 includes a vest area 144 and a seatarea 146. Vest and seat areas 144, 146 are knit with a spacer knit toprovide attributes such as warmth, wind and/or water protection, andpadding to shirt 130.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, yet another alternate exemplaryembodiment of a garment according to the present invention is shown as aseamless jog pant. Pant 150 is also knitted using a flat knittingprocess.

Pant 150 includes a plurality of first portions 152 and a plurality ofsecond portions 154 seamlessly integrated with one another to form thewhole garment. Again, first portions 152 are knit with the first knitconstruction, while second portions 154 are knit with the second knitconstruction and provide a seamless patterned effect to pant 150.

The plurality of first portions 152 include an inner region 156 and apair of cuff bands 158. Inner regions 156 are knit with a plain singlejersey knit. Inner region 156 can include one or more pocket sections160. In addition, inner region 156 can include can include one or morepleated sections 162, providing additional mobility and flexibility tothis region of pant 150. Cuff bands 158 are knit with a plain singlejersey knit having elastic yarns so that the cuff bands assist inmaintaining pant 150 in the desired position when worn.

The plurality of second portions 154 includes an outer region 164 and awaistband 166. Outer region 164 and waist band 166 are knit with aspacer knit to provide attributes such as warmth, wind and/or waterprotection, and padding to pant 150. In addition, waistband 166 is knitwith elastic yarns so that the waistband assists in maintaining pant 150in the desired position when worn. Waistband 166 can include one or morepleated sections 168, providing additional mobility and flexibility tothis region of pant 150.

Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention provide forseamless integration of two or more second knit constructions to oneanother. Other embodiments provide for seamless integration of one ormore second knit constructions with one or more first knitconstructions. The shape, size, and/or type of knit construction can beselected and/or positioned to provide the resultant garment with anydesired patterned effect.

It should be recognized that the first and second knit constructions aredescribed herein by way of example. Of course, it is contemplated forother first and/or second knit constructions, as defined herein, to fallwithin the scope of the present invention.

In addition, it should be noted that the garments of the presentinvention are described herein by way of example as intimate apparelgarments (e.g., a brassiere, a panty, a camisole, and others). However,it is contemplated by the present invention for garment to be anygarment such as, but not limited to, outerwear garments, sportsweargarments, intimate apparel garments, or other garments.

Also, it should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, “third”,“upper”, “lower”, and the like may be used herein to modify variouselements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, orhierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one ormore exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various modifications may be made and equivalents may besubstituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapta particular situation or material to the teachings of the inventionwithout departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended thatthe present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s)disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention,but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within thescope of the appended claims.

1. A garment comprising: a body having a first portion integrally knitto a second portion, said first portion having a first knit constructionand said second portion having a second knit construction; and one ormore garment elements joined to said body.
 2. The garment as in claim 1,wherein the garment is a garment selected from the group consisting ofan intimate apparel garment, an outerwear garment, and a sportsweargarment.
 3. The garment as in claim 1, wherein the garment is acircularly knit garment.
 4. The garment as in claim 1, wherein thegarment is a flat knit garment.
 5. The garment as in claim 1, whereinsaid first knit construction comprises knits selected from the groupconsisting of a plain double knit, a plain single jersey knit, and anycombinations thereof.
 6. The garment as in claim 1, wherein said secondknit construction comprises knits selected from the group consisting ofa spacer knit, a rib knit, a pointelle knit, a mesh knit, a sheer knit,a quilted knit, an eyelet or open knit, and any combinations thereof. 7.The garment as in claim 1, wherein said first and second portions arepositioned to provide a seamless patterned effect to the garment.
 8. Thegarment as in claim 1, wherein said one or more garment elements areintegrally knit to said body.
 9. The garment as in claim 1, wherein saidone or more garment elements are secured to said body by a seam.
 10. Thegarment as in claim 9, wherein said seam is selected from the groupconsisting of a sewn seam, a welded seam, a glued seam, and anycombinations thereof.
 11. The garment as in claim 1, wherein said bodycomprises a length and an inner diameter, said inner diameter varyingalong said length so that said body includes one or more shapedsections.
 12. A garment comprising: a plurality of first portions eachhaving a first knit construction, said first knit construction beingselected from the group consisting of a plain double knit, and a plainsingle jersey knit; and a plurality of second portions each having asecond knit construction, said second knit construction being selectedfrom the group consisting of a spacer knit, a rib knit, a pointelleknit, a mesh knit, a sheer knit, a quilted knit, and an eyelet or openknit, said plurality of first and second portions being integrally knitto one another.
 13. The garment as in claim 12, wherein the garment is agarment selected from the group consisting of an intimate apparelgarment, an outerwear garment, and a sportswear garment.
 14. The garmentas in claim 12, wherein the garment is a circularly knit garment or aflat knit garment.
 15. The garment as in claim 12, wherein saidplurality of first and second portions are positioned to provide aseamless patterned effect to the garment.
 16. The garment as in claim12, further comprising one or more garment elements.
 17. The garment asin claim 16, wherein said one or more garment elements are integrallyknit to the garment.
 18. The garment as in claim 16, wherein said one ormore garment elements are secured by a seam.
 19. The garment as in claim18, wherein said seam is selected from the group consisting of a sewnseam, a welded seam, a glued seam, and any combinations thereof.
 20. Thegarment as in claim 12, further comprising a garment length and agarment inner dimension, said garment inner dimension varying along saidgarment length so that the garment includes one or more shaped sections.